Fried Cheese (Queso Frito)

This fried cheese is soft and melty inside, crispy outside, and just delicious. If you love cheese, you're going to be obsessed with this recipe!

The Best Fried Cheese

We've all had cheese sticks and fried cheese curds, but have you ever had fried cheese slices? If you haven't, then get ready for your new favorite cheese recipe!

This fried cheese, also known as queso frito, takes slices of cheese and pan frys them until they have a golden brown crust. The pan fried cheese comes out addictively crispy on the outside while staying soft and slightly gooey on the inside.

It's just so good, and everyone who tries it can't get enough!

This queso blanco is delicious all by itself, but it tastes even better served with this mangu for a traditional Dominican breakfast.

Why This Recipe Works

It's quick and easy to make. All you have to do is cut the cheese into slices and let it pan fry. It'll be done in under 10 minutes!

Crowd favorite. Everyone who tries this queso frito absolutely loves it. I always make it if I'm hosting since I know it'll be a hit with kids and adults.

Versatile. You can dip the fried cheese in any sauce you want, add it to a tomato salad, or even add it to tacos.

Ingredients

You only need two ingredients to make this fried cheese recipe, and those ingredients are:

• 9 oz. fresh cheese (Queso fresco works great)
• 2 tbsp. oil

If you have any leftover queso fresco, use it to make this Mexican street corn casserole. It goes incredible with this Dominican fried cheese.

How To Make Fried Cheese

1. Prep: Heat the oil in a non-stick over medium-high heat. Move it around so it coats the entire surface of the pan. Cut the cheese into slices that are approximately 1.5 cm thick. 

2. Pan fry cheese: Add the cheese slices to the hot oil. Pan fry the cheese for 1-3 minutes per side until the cheese has a golden-brown crust. Transfer the fried cheese to a paper towel or wire rack to drain the excess oil.

3. Serve the queso frito: Let the cheese cool for a minute or so, then serve warm with salsa or tomato sauce. Enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• You want to make sure the pan and oil are hot for the best results when pan frying cheese.
• Move the cheese around the pan as they cook. The ones in the middle cook the fastest.
• Cut the cheese into equal sized slices so they cook evenly.
• Try making this recipe with different kinds of cheese each time for a different flavor.

How To Store Fried Cheese

In the fridge: Store the leftover fried cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for about 4 days.

In the freezer: Put the Dominican fried cheese on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for 1 month.

Reheating: Put the cheese back in a frying pan and warm on both sides for a few minutes. You can also warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warm. Thaw the frozen cheese in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQS About This Fried Cheese Recipe

Which cheese can be fried?

Any fresh cheese like queso fresco, other Mexican cheeses, or any good melting cheese like mozzarella cheese or cheese curds can be fried. You want to make sure the cheese has a high melting point.

Why is fried cheese unhealthy?

Fried cheese is unhealthy because it usually has a breading on it and is deep fried in oil. This fried cheese, however, is healthier since it's just the cheese and it's lightly fried in oil.

What is another name for fried cheese?

Fried cheese is also known as queso frito or queso de freir.

What oil do you use to fry cheese?

Any neutral flavored oil with a high smoking point, such as olive oil or canola oil, will work best to fry cheese.

More Recipes

• Mexican breakfast casserole
• Baked ricotta
• Fried ice cream
• Fried tacos
• Fried yuca
• Fried red tomatoes